Kenneth James Vlk

Published: Thursday, April 11, 2013 8:57 a.m. CST

Mr. Kenneth James Vlk, 72, passed to eternal life with family at his side on Tuesday afternoon, April 9, 2013, at his home in Morris, Ill.

Born March 12, 1941, Kenneth was the son of Rudolph “Rudy” and Ruth Hintze Vlk of Coal City, Ill., where he was raised and educated. After high school graduation, Ken proudly served our country in the United States Army 12th Cavalry Unit Police. Upon discharge, he began working at Diamond International – Jefferson Smurfit Corp. in Morris. Ken retired as a cutting pressman in 2006.

On April 24, 1971, Ken married Loreen Hildy. Together they made their home in Morris for nearly 42 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Loreen, and by their children, daughter Angela and her husband, Jim Robinson, son Jerald “Jerry” Vlk, and daughter Valerie and her husband, Jason Tucker, all of Morris. Remembering him as grandpa are Nicholas Kilgore, Karedon Robinson, James Robinson and Nolan Tucker.

He will also be loved and remembered by his sister, Ruth Ann and her husband, Dan Hartsfield, of Coal City; aunt Frances Hintze of Mazon; his mother-in-law, Charlotte Hildy; sister-in-law Judy Larson; and brothers-in-law Clyde A. Hildy, Wallace Hildy, Frank Hildy, Tony Hildy and Edward Hildy, as well as their families. Many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends will also miss him.

Mr. Vlk was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Dawn Ann Hartsfield.

Ken was most proud of his family and enjoyed times spent with them, especially babysitting his grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors and all levels of football, from Morris Warriors and Redskins to the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed all car racing and working on his own Model A Ford.

Ken was a proud member of the American Legion and supported several Veterans’ organizations.

The family will receive friends at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson St., Morris, from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 12. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13, in the church, with the Rev. Ed Howe, CR, officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Morris, with full military honors conducted by the Morris Color Guard.